Instead of b'day presents

*Your donation makes this Peace Corps Partnership scholarship program possible*


PAFT is a scholarship program run by Peace Corps Paraguay Gender and Development Committee, and two Paraguayan Institutions - La Secretaria De Mujer and Union Profesional Empresarios Jovenes-UPEJ.

It provides young Paraguayan women ages 15-30 funds & leadership training to pursue their education and increase their ability to achieve financially independent and fulfilling lives.

But lets talk SUSTAINABILITY...This project is a Partnership Program---that means 30% of funds do come from outside resources like RPCVs and friends and family of Peace Corps Volunteers, while over 60% of all costs in the form of resources and labor are fulfilled by the two Paraguayan co-partner institutions of the program: UPEJ (Union de Profesionales y Empresarios Jóvenes) and La Secretaria de la Mujer.

Along with an economic award and a higher level of education, each winner is required to attend two leadership workshops where they increase their knowledge of: employability, responsible citizenship, opening cooperatives and budgeting, creating and implementing small-scale community projects, networking with other ONGs and becoming community leaders for their department.

To donate go here: Go to https://www.peacecorps.gov/resources/donors/contribute/regioncontrib.cfm?region=latinamerica A donation of $100 provides a young Paraguayan with the funds to continue her high-school education, $150 funds professionally focused training and a donation of $500 will sponsor a year of study at the University level. That means ANY amount makes a big difference!



Education is essential to breaking the cycle of poverty. This scholarship program provides essential funding and training to young women who have demonstrated a history of service to their community, exceptional academic potential and financial need. By providing young women leaders with the resources to continue their education, the scholarship program is ultimately helping young women and their families break the cycle of poverty and create economic and social options.



For more information contact:


Julie Silvernail
GAD Coordinator Peace Corps
Jsilvernail@peacecorps.py.gov


I will be nominating young women for this scholarship and can tell you it makes a big difference in their lives. Thank you for your continued love and support!!!
xoxo,
Lor

Not quite 4 score and 7 years ago....

Nearly 3 decades ago, my resiliant momma gave birth to my brother (Linse) and me...and thank goodness - we were two weeks late! I think this occasion calls for the recounting of one of the most traumatic days of my life - birth.

As I said, we were two weeks late....call us lazy if you want, but we knew how good we had it and weren't rushin to get out. OK, really Linse was just being indesicive about leaving and blocking my path...but he doesn't like me to tell that part so pretend you didn't read that. Things were getting a little tight in the womb and we both wanted some room to stretch our legs so we decided we'd see what lay beyond our cozy amniatic sacs. We made a deal...we'd go head first and Linse would lead the way since he was closer to the exit. But once the water broke and contractions started, he panicked. In the heat of the moment, he wrapped my umbilical cord around my neck, spun me around and made a bee-line for the light. Disoriented and shocked by this assult I took a couple minutes to collect myself and then let the contractions push me out feet first, hoping for the best since it was getting harder and harder to breath with that cord around my throat. Once I finally made it out, blue and nearly unconcious, the doctors rushed me to the emergency room for some good ole O2. Not too long afterwards I was reunited with my momma and brother. I was still a little annoyed with Linse, but when I saw his pointy head and realized he'd forever be remined of this attack, although he likes to claim it never happened, I decided to forgive and forget (obviously it was too traumatic to forget, but at least I forgave).


For the past 30 years Linse has been my best friend, playmate, protector, confidant, and so much more. I can't begin to describe how lucky I feel to be a twin or how grateful I am that we have been and remain so close (although not geographically). It's certainly tough to be away from him this time of year, but the good news is that we're both doing what makes us happy and living where we need to be living right now. I'm in the barrio hanging out with jovenes and Linse is in school soaking up and dispensing knowledge.


Our b'day is a national holiday here in Paraguay (as it should be everywhere ;) - Dia de San Miguel/Victory at Boqueron. My jovenes would like to celebrate my "doble quince" (double 15) with me...I'd like to sit in a bathtub in a hotel in Asuncion and then go out dancing with my adult friends...it's a struggle. I'm figuring out a way to make everyone happy :) Life continues to go well here in Paraguay....it's getting hot again. Funny, it's not even spring yet and we're already in the 90s....can't wait for summer! ;)


Gotta run for now...but not without a special shout out to my parents who have loved me through so much - I know it wasn't always easy. And of course love to mis hermanos, amigos y extended fam. Life wouldn't mean anything without all of you...and I wouldn't be as proud of who I am if I didn't have so many wonderful people in my life. We are a reflection of those we surround ourselves with...thanks for makin me look good ;)


With a heart full of love and happiness,
Lor :)